Image: Reuters
To strictly maintain the nationwide ban on single-use plastic (SUP) from July 1, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has set up a plastic control room. The purpose of this control room is to strictly monitor how people are implementing the plastic ban and take action against the violators. The government will start shutting down units violating the SUP ban starting July 11.
Surprise inspections will take place in various areas. Around 48 teams are set up by the Delhi government to ensure the plastic ban enforcement. The plastic control room will further receive complaints regarding the SUP ban violations while authorities will prosecute the violators. The action also includes a fine of up to INR 1 lakh and imprisonment for five years.
Image: ANI
The government also organized a campaign to raise awareness about the use of plastic. The campaign was conducted till July 10, and the government has further decided to offer 10 days grace period to comply with SUP. Within the next 10 days, the Delhi government will be a bit lenient and focus more on creating awareness against the use of such toxic commodities. They will also promote the use of plastic alternatives within 10 days.
Some of the banned SUP items include plastic sticks for balloons, earbuds, flags, ice-cream sticks, candy sticks, plates, polystyrene, glasses, cups, spoons, forks, straws, knives, wrapping, trays, or packaging films around invitation cards, sweet boxes, cigarette packets, PVC banners, and stirrers.
Plastic carry bags with a thickness of 75 microns are also prohibited as per the Plastic Waste Management Rules. Their thickness must increase to 120 microns from December 31. Plastic wrapping material and sachets with less than 50 microns of thickness are also banned from selling and storing pan masala, gutkha, and tobacco.
Via: NDTV